Former England star Jamie Redknapp believes Gareth Bale could join Chelsea this summer if Eden Hazard moves to Real Madrid.
Hazard has emerged as Madrid’s number one transfer target this summer amidst uncertainty over the future of Cristiano Ronaldo, who appeared to say goodbye to Madrid fans after the weekend’s Champions League final victory over Liverpool.
Uncertainty too surrounds the future of Hazard, who has refused to sign a new contract at Stamford Bridge, with the Belgian waiting to see who Chelsea recruit this summer after a disappointing season.
Despite winning the FA Cup, the Blues finished fifth in the Premier League, meaning they will now miss out on Champions League football for the second time in only three seasons.
Manchester United reportedly lead the race for Bale, however Redknapp believes it’s Chelsea who could land the wantaway Welshman by using Eden Hazard as a makeweight.
“Should Eden Hazard head to the Bernabeu this summer I could see Bale going in the opposite direction,” Redknapp wrote in his Daily Mail column.
“Equally, he may be unsure as to who will be in charge at Stamford Bridge.
Gareth Bale 👏👏👏
A candidate for the FIFA #Puskas Award? 🤔pic.twitter.com/77WTA1Aa4P— FIFA (@FIFAcom) May 28, 2018
“At 28, he is in the peak of his career. Whoever signs him would be getting a model professional. Gareth knows he is a great player but he is not arrogant. He is still a very quiet, unassuming man.”
Bale scored two goals at the weekend as Madrid beat Liverpool 3-1 in Kiev, including a sensational overhead kick which has been dubbed as the greatest goal ever in a European Cup final.
The Wales international lept in the air with his back to goal from 12-yards out, before connecting with his left boot to loop the ball up and over Loris Karius into the top right corner of the net.
And the strike was a sure reminder that Bale remains one of the world’s most talented players.
Redknapp concluded: “That bicycle kick was the perfect reminder of his talents. He will be a game-changer for whoever he joins.”